{"id":38519,"date":"2016-09-05T09:15:57","date_gmt":"2016-09-05T13:15:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=38519"},"modified":"2016-09-06T11:05:22","modified_gmt":"2016-09-06T15:05:22","slug":"low-calorie-cocktails-recipes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/recipes\/low-calorie-cocktails-recipes\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Cocktails Under 150 Calories (and Better Than Vodka-Soda)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"15<\/p>\n

Not willing to go cold turkey on cocktails, even though you\u2019re trying to cut back on calories? We\u2019re not going to lie, alcohol can pack a hefty caloric punch \u2014\u00a0just one shot of vodka has a whopping 96 calories, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database<\/a>. The good news is there are easy ways to lighten up your favorite concoctions, so you can imbibe in moderation \u2014\u00a0without the guilt.<\/p>\n

First things first: Ditch the sugary mixers and load your drink with healthy fruits and herbs to get a buzz without giving yourself a sugar high. Need a hint of sweet in your sips? Make your own simple syrup using stevia (we\u2019ve got a recipe here<\/a>!) or try honey as a sweetener, instead. Using fresh squeezed juices, rather than concentrated blends, can help add a healthier twist to your favorite drinks, too.<\/p>\n

These 15 lightened-up cocktails are easy enough to make at home. And there\u2019s no shame in whipping out your phone at your go-to watering hole to show the bartender how to lighten up that margarita you love, either.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> How Many Calories Are in Your Cocktail?<\/a><\/p>\n

15 Creative Low-Calorie Cocktails<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Low-Calorie
\n1.\u00a0Coconut Water Champagne Fruit Punch<\/a><\/strong> (132 calories)
\n<\/strong>Break out the bubbly: Four ounces of champagne contains only 91 calories, making it a go-to for health-conscious revelers. This punch features hydrating coconut water and a splash of fruit juice for flavoring. Plus, you can garnish your flute with some fresh berries or pineapple, too. Whip one up for your next post-sweat session brunch. Photo and recipe: Averie Sunshine \/ Averie Cooks<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Low-Calorie
\n2.\u00a0Ginger Kombucha Cocktail<\/a><\/strong> (103 calories)
\n<\/strong>Made by fermenting tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast, kombucha is a great source of good-for-you probiotics<\/a>. But did you know it could make a tasty mixer, too? Pick up some ginger-flavored kombucha next time you hit the store, and stir it up alongside a splash of vodka, mint and lemon for a drink that tastes fancy but is still easy to make.\u00a0Photo and recipe: Jeanine <\/em>\/ Love and Lemons<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Low-Calorie
\n3.\u00a0Roasted Cherry Sage Lemonade Cocktail<\/a><\/strong> (150 calories)
\n<\/strong>The natural sweetness of roasted cherries renders simple syrup an optional ingredient in this recipe. Pick up sage-flavored spirits if you can find \u2018em, or muddle your own sage leaves instead. Fresh squeezed lemon juice gives your glass the refreshing tanginess of a lemonade-based cocktail, without all the added sugar.\u00a0Photo and recipe: Brandy <\/em>\/ Nutmeg Nanny<\/em><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> Spiked Seltzer: Your Key to a Healthier Happy Hour?<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Low-Calorie
\n4.\u00a0Kir Royale<\/a><\/strong> (104 calories)
\n<\/strong>Ah, the Kir Royale. It\u2019s so simple you could almost make it in your sleep (not that we\u2019d advise it). Cr\u00e8me de cassis, a liqueur made of black currants, spikes this bubbly-based option with some major fruity flavor. Pro tip: You can use sprinkle the liqueur over a serving of vanilla fro-yo, for a berry delicious twist on your favorite dessert, too.\u00a0<\/span>Photo and recipe: Erin Clarke <\/em>\/ Well Plated by Erin<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Low-Calorie
\n5.\u00a0Skinny Margarita<\/a><\/strong> (117 calories)
\n<\/strong>No drink screams \u201cWarm weather!\u201d more than a margarita. But unless you\u2019re prepared to guzzle hundreds of calories, you might want to order up a \u201cskinny\u201d version. Get your citrus fix from fresh OJ instead of a sweetened liqueur for the same great taste \u2014\u00a0without turning your cocktail into a calorie bomb<\/a>.\u00a0Photo and recipe: Ali Ebright <\/em>\/ Gimme Some Oven<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Low-Calorie
\n6.\u00a0Strawberry Grapefruit Mimosa<\/a><\/strong> (122 calories)
\n<\/strong>A plain old mimosa isn\u2019t that bad for you \u2014\u00a0but this crowd-pleasing (and pretty!) drink will take your go-to brunch cocktail to the next level. The combination of grapefruit juice and champagne is sure to please your taste buds \u2014\u00a0and thyme adds an herbaceous twist. Bonus: Grapefruit contains lycopene<\/a>, which can help fight free radicals in your body.\u00a0Photo and recipe: Elsie Larson <\/em>\/ A Beautiful Mess<\/em><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 15 Creative Ice Cube Tray Recipes<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Low-Calorie
\n7.\u00a0Coconut Mango Mojito<\/a><\/strong> (126 calories)
\n<\/strong>This coconut-rum based drink will give you an island vibe, even if you\u2019re landlocked \u2014 plus, the\u00a0mango<\/a> puree brings vitamins A and C to the table. Thanks to some club soda bubbles and the refreshing taste of mint, this drink is light and refreshing enough to enjoy any time.\u00a0Photo and recipe: Jessica Merchant <\/em>\/ How Sweet Eats<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Low-Calorie
\n8.\u00a0Sparkling Fruit Sangria<\/a><\/strong> (131 calories)
\n<\/strong>Get a load of all the fruit in this drink! The strawberries and oranges will help you score a hefty dose of vitamin C<\/a>, so you can feel virtuous even when treating yourself. Make sure to give the mixture some time to soak, so the fruit can properly absorb the booze.\u00a0Photo and recipe: Sally<\/em> \/ Sally\u2019s Baking Addiction<\/p>\n

\"Low-Calorie
\n9.\u00a0Clementine, Bourbon, & Clove Cocktail<\/a><\/strong> (149 calories)
\n<\/strong>This bourbon-based drink is perfect to sip on during a cold snap. The earthiness of the cloves complements the sweetness of clementine juice, creating a mix of flavors so rich you\u2019ll be satisfied after just one serving.\u00a0Photo and recipe: Dulcie Wilcox <\/em>\/ Two Tarts<\/em><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> Is Alcohol Killing Your Workout?<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Low-Calorie
\n10.\u00a0French Kiss Cocktail<\/a><\/strong> (116 calories)
\n<\/strong>Here\u2019s a treat for all you berry lovers out there. Packed with antioxidants, the raspberries in this drink act as a natural sweetener (and a post-cocktail snack?). Add a bit of raw honey if you like your cocktails on the sweeter side.\u00a0Photo and recipe: Alexis Kornblum <\/em>\/ Lexi\u2019s Clean Kitchen<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Low-Calorie
\n11.\u00a0Red Pepper Martini<\/a><\/strong> (122 calories)
\n<\/strong>Since this recipe requires an entire<\/em> bell pepper, we\u2019re pretty sure it practically qualifies as a salad. Spice up your cocktail experience with some jalapeno, a dash of hot sauce and some fresh ground black pepper, too.\u00a0Photo and recipe: Kate Taylor <\/em>\/ Cookie and Kate<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Low-Calorie<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0Strawberry Rhubarb Sangria<\/a><\/strong> (107 calories)
\n<\/strong>Meet your new no-fuss party drink. Replace simple syrup with Truvia to cut this cocktail down to only five grams of sugar. Plus, since each glass is chock full of nutrient-rich fresh orange juice, oranges and strawberries, the guests at your next get-together can drink up and still enjoy dessert.\u00a0Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote <\/em>\/ Life by DailyBurn<\/em><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 5 Hangover Cures to Save You After a Few Too Many<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Low-Calorie
\n13.\u00a0Mint Gimlet<\/a><\/strong> (150 calories)
\n<\/strong>Simplicity speaks volumes in this easy four-ingredient cocktail. Gimlets are heavy on the booze, so be sure to watch your serving sizes. A kick of mint is an easy way to take this classic drink to the next level\u00a0\u2014\u00a0and just a half an ounce of simple syrup ensures your taste buds won\u2019t be overwhelmed by sweetness.\u00a0Photo and recipe: Catherine Sheppard <\/em>\/ The Life Styled<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Low-Calorie
\n14.\u00a0Ginger Beer Margaritas<\/a><\/strong> (142 calories)
\n<\/strong>As long as ginger beer is the star of the show (rather than one of several caloric ingredients), it\u2019s a safe bet for spicing up a low-cal concoction. Fresh lime juice ensures this mix still tastes like a margarita \u2014\u00a0and don\u2019t forget the salt to rim your glass.\u00a0Photo and recipe: John and Dana <\/em>\/ Minimalist Baker<\/em><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 15 Better-for-Your-Body Beers<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Low-Calorie
\n15.\u00a0Pineapple and Coconut Champagne Cocktail<\/a><\/strong> (70 calories)
\nDrink this one while you\u2019re on the beach \u2014 or just wishing you were. Pineapple sends some energizing vitamin B<\/a> coursing through your system, while the coconut flakes add a bit of delicious texture \u2014\u00a0plus, coconut is rich in fiber, too.\u00a0Photo and recipe: Shanna <\/em>\/ PineappleandCoconut<\/em><\/p>\n

Originally published March\u00a02015. Updated September 3,\u00a02016.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Don’t give up your favorite happy hour concoctions just because you’re trying to cut back. Sip on these low-calorie cocktails instead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":38577,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[27,9],"tags":[28,31,36,341,352],"class_list":["post-38519","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy","category-recipes","tag-alcohol","tag-beverages","tag-cocktails","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2weight-loss"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38519","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38519"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38519\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38577"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38519"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38519"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38519"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}